Xiao Yan Breaks Through to Dou Ling, New Storms Brew in the Inner Academy

The entire gathering came to a complete end, and Hai Bodong and the others left in high spirits. After all, everyone had obtained exactly what they wanted.

When Xiao Yan learned of Han Feng's handiwork, he laughed and said, "My foolish Senior Brother, you are practically helping me. Think of how many Summoning Points this has saved me!"

Xiao Yan chuckled, even harboring thoughts of swindling Han Feng out of another Dou Ling Pill, though he knew that was a bit unrealistic.

Upon hearing Xiao Yan's words, Elder Yao let out a sigh.

"Han Feng's talent is no less than yours, but it is a pity his temperament is immature; otherwise, he would hardly be stuck at the peak of the sixth tier."

Listening to Elder Yao, Xiao Yan finally understood the position Han Feng had once held in his heart. If the person closest and dearest to Xiao Yan were to betray him, the pain would be something few could resolve.

"Teacher, rest assured. A man like Han Feng will not meet a good end. Furthermore, I will make those who bullied you back then pay the price."

Xiao Yan's words managed to make Elder Yao chuckle.

"Xiao Yan, I do not know why, but you possess secrets that even I cannot fathom. However, I choose to believe in you, because you have the full potential to succeed," Elder Yao said, looking at Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan looked at his swollen legs and smiled. "Teacher, I understand that logic, and I know you are moved. But could you please let me rest for one night?"

Elder Yao's expression changed in an instant, and another wooden stake slammed into Xiao Yan, sending him flying into the water under the force of the surging Dou Qi.

"When you can withstand this kind of attack with your bare fists, your Earth-tier Dou Technique will be mastered! So, you cannot slack off now!"

Xiao Yan: "Wooo..."

Once Hai Bodong received the medicinal pills, Han Feng finally set his mind at ease. However, it would be impossible to say he was entirely without worry.

After all, these two pills were enough to make two Dou Huang-level experts risk their lives to compete for them.

Their value was immeasurable.

As Han Feng saw Hai Bodong off, he urged him repeatedly, "Ice Emperor, I have put a great deal of effort into this matter. I truly hope that you and Sect Leader White Fang will not make excuses when the time comes."

"Rest assured, Medicine Emperor! I, Hai Bodong, have traveled the world for many years; I still have that much credibility. Don't worry, I will certainly be there," Hai Bodong replied calmly.

Han Feng breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Rest easy, Ice Emperor. Go back and enter seclusion. There is no need to rush for now, and there will be a generous reward once this is accomplished!"

Han Feng emphasized the words "generous reward" heavily.

Hai Bodong nodded, activated his Dou Qi wings, and flew away.

White Fang was still waiting for him at the Xiao Sect.

After that day, the newly risen Xiao Sect closed its doors. This stirred up quite a storm in the Black-Corner Region, as no one knew exactly what had happened that night.

No one knew why the Xiao Sect had closed its doors, and most strangely, the major factions remained completely silent.

In the blink of an eye, three months passed.

For a time, there was much speculation.

Even Canaan Academy received some news.

First Elder Su Qian sat at the head of the table, looking at the dozen or so elders seated below him.

Most of the elders at Canaan Academy were at the Dou Wang level, with only two or three reaching the Dou Huang level.

"Everyone, you are all aware of the recent situation in the Black-Corner Region, are you not?" Su Qian asked in a slightly weary voice.

The matter of the Fallen Heart Flame had already left him exhausted, and he still had to remain vigilant against the factions in the Black-Corner Region.

Although the Black-Corner Region feared the strength of Canaan Academy, Su Qian knew that Han Feng must be aware of the Exotic Fire in the Inner Academy, as Han Feng possessed one himself. Moreover, with the Fallen Heart Flame erupting from time to time, it would be strange if someone with such keen soul power did not sense it.

One elder replied, "It seems a new faction has emerged in the Black-Corner Region called the Xiao Sect. It has two sect leaders, one human and one magical beast. Both are at the peak of the Dou Huang level; they even defeated the veteran experts, the Gold and Silver Elders."

"That is correct. To secure their footing in the Black-Corner Region, they first annexed the Blood Sect and wiped out their entire lineage. But strangely, they did not take the opportunity to expand, choosing instead to close the sect and ignore all affairs in the Black-Corner Region," another elder added.

Su Qian nodded. Their discussion had been fruitless, so he could only remind everyone to be extra careful.

Just as Su Qian was about to dismiss the meeting, he noticed Yun Potian sitting at the far end. Yun Potian had now reached the strength of a six-star Dou Wang.

During his time in the Inner Academy, Yun Potian had spent almost all his time in the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower in bitter cultivation.

Thus, his strength had improved by leaps and bounds.

"This must be Elder Yun, who has been in the Inner Academy for less than a year, correct?" Su Qian looked toward Yun Potian.

"Reporting to the First Elder, I am Yun Potian." Yun Potian's youthful aura and the sharp edge of his sword-like presence made him stand out among the group of old men, though Su Qian was happy to see a youthful presence.

"Hmm, how is the situation at the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower lately?" Su Qian asked.

"A month ago, the Fallen Heart Flame rioted once, but it was suppressed by myself and the three elders on duty. There has been no reaction since," Yun Potian replied.

Su Qian nodded, thinking to himself, Too much silence is not necessarily a good thing. However, he did not voice these thoughts and simply dismissed the assembly.

Behind the mountain!

"Flame Cloud Fist!"

Following a deep, thunderous roar, a red phantom several feet long took the shape of a fist and slammed into a waterfall.

The immense heat and impact evaporated and scattered the water of the entire waterfall. The waterfall, dozens of meters high, was actually cut off.

Xiao Yan looked at the massive fist imprint on the stone wall, then at his own reddened arm, and said to Elder Yao with a smile, "Teacher! I have completely mastered it now, haven't I!"

Elder Yao nodded in satisfaction; the results were indeed excellent. It had been worth their months of arduous training. Xiao Yan had just broken through to Dou Ling a few days ago and had also used a Star-Adding Card to reach a two-star Dou Ling.

Name: Xiao Yan

Age: 16 years and nine months

Strength: Two-star Dou Ling

Alchemist Rank: Third-grade Alchemist

Cultivation Method: Burning Decision (Xuan-tier Advanced)

Dou Techniques: Eight Extremities Collapse (Xuan-tier Advanced), Mystic Divination Palm (Xuan-tier Primary), Heaven Collapsing Technique (Xuan-tier Advanced), Flame Splitting Wave-Devouring Ruler (Di-tier Primary), Flame Cloud Fist (Di-tier Primary)

Summoned Experts: Hai Bodong (Seven-star Dou Huang)

Eight-Winged Black Emperor Snake (Peak Dou Huang)

Yun Potian (Six-star Dou Wang)

Summoned Count: 3/5

Exotic Fire: Myriad Beast Spirit Fire

Green Lotus Core Flame

Items: Mysterious Heavy Ruler

Summoning Talismans: Three Intermediate Summoning Talismans

Summoning Points: 6500 (Can be exchanged for various items in the System Mall)

Xiao Yan looked at the panel; the extra 3000 Summoning Points and two Intermediate Summoning Talismans were both rewards from the system for breaking through to Dou Ling.

"I've been out here training hard for five months; it's time to go back and see Xun Er!" Feelings of longing surged in Xiao Yan's heart once again.

Elder Yao looked at Xiao Yan and said with a smile, "Go on then. After coaching you for so long, I should take a break as well."

And just like that, Xiao Yan returned to the Inner Academy!